Retailer Anthropologie to open store downtown

The long-vacant building near City Market once home to a popular eatery finally has a new tenant.

Anthropologie, a women's clothing and accessories retailer, has leased 10,000 square feet in the former 606 East Café space at the corner of Montgomery and West Congress streets.

The building, owned by Savannah restaurateur Bob Turner, has been vacant since 606 closed in 2002.

Renovations on the building are underway. The work will take about four months.

The store's targeted opening date is unknown, as an Anthropologie spokeswoman declined to comment on the company's Savannah plans when contacted Wednesday.

Anthropologie would be the latest addition to the fashion district that has developed on and around West Broughton Street.

Anthropologie's store backs up against Marc Jacobs and is two blocks from Urban Outfitters, which is operated by Anthropologie's parent company.

Banana Republic and The Gap also have stores in the area and several boutiques are located along West Broughton, as well.

"This will really be a good retail anchor to City Market," said Realtor Dicky Mopper with NAI Mopper|Benton, the firm that represented Turner in negotiating the lease.

"It could be the business that ties City Market and Congress Street to Broughton."

Anthropologie's interest in Savannah dates back several years, according to local commercial real estate agents.

The retailer struggled to find the "right" space before working out the deal for the former 606 space.

Opening along Congress and adjacent to City Market ensures heavy foot traffic.

West Congress is home to several bars and restaurants.

Anthropologie has a thriving store in a similar area - King St. in Charleston, S.C.'s historic district.

ABOUT ANTHROPOLOGIE

Anthropologie sells women's clothing, accessories and home décor. Founded in 1992 in Wayne, Pa., a Philadelphia suburb, the retailer has 175 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Anthropologie also operates online at anthropologie.com.